2. Copy these notes into your folders…
The man in the poem must be a traitor or
rebel of the army. They have come to get him.
His wife is concerned by their approach and
asks him what the soldiers are doing. He tries
to reassure her but there is evidence that he is
lying to her and hiding from them. He betrays
his wife by running away at the last minute
and leaving his wife to face the soldiers.
3. O what is that sound which so thrills the ear
Down in the valley drumming, drumming?
Only the scarlet soldiers, dear,
The soldiers coming.
O what is that light I see flashing so clear
Over the distance brightly, brightly?
Only the sun on their weapons, dear,
As they step lightly.
Appeals to the senses
Repetition adds to rhythm – like
marching
Questions
show her
confusion
and fear
4. O what are they doing with all that gear,
What are they doing this morning, morning?
Only their usual manoeuvres, dear,
Or perhaps a warning.
O why have they left the road down there,
Why are they suddenly wheeling, wheeling?
Perhaps a change in their orders, dear,
Why are you kneeling?
Soldiers are armed and organised
turning
Is she trying to hide from them?
5. O haven't they stopped for the doctor's care,
Haven't they reined their horses, horses?
Why, they are none of them wounded, dear,
None of these forces.
O is it the parson they want, with white hair,
Is it the parson, is it, is it?
No, they are passing his gateway, dear,
Without a visit.
First 2 lines of each verse = wife
Second two lines of each verse =
husband
6. O it must be the farmer that lives so near.
It must be the farmer so cunning, so cunning?
They have passed the farmyard already, dear,
And now they are running.
O where are you going? Stay with me here!
Were the vows you swore deceiving, deceiving?
No, I promised to love you, dear,
But I must be leaving.
Increases tension – they are getting closer
He seems happy to betray her love and try to escape
7. O it's broken the lock and splintered the door,
O it's the gate where they're turning, turning;
Their boots are heavy on the floor
And their eyes are burning.
Shows the violence of the soldiers – what will they do to her?
Seems threateningSuggests she faces a
violent ordeal
8. Links to other poems?
• Violent conflict:
Belfast Confetti, Our Sharpeville, Exposure
• War:
Exposure, The Drum, Belfast Confetti
• Betrayal:
Cousin Kate
• Fear:
Exposure, Parade’s End, Belfast Confetti
9. Exam style Questions…
1. Explore how Auden builds tension, explores
repercussions and expresses emotions
connected with war. Use examples from the
texts to support your ideas.
2. Compare how the writers of “O What is that
Sound” and “The Drum” reflect on attitudes
towards war. Use evidence from the poems
to support your answer.
10. 1. Explore how Auden builds tension, explores repercussions and
expresses emotions connected with war. Use examples from the
texts to support your ideas.
• Builds tension:
Repetition, use of dialogue, regular rhyme and
rhythm
• Explores repercussions:
Explain what is happening and why, use of
ballad form to tell a story
• Expresses emotions:
Use of questions, repetition of “dear”, use of
different senses
